Bangladesh and China have pledged to take their bilateral relationship to a new level, agreeing to build a "China-Bangladesh community with a shared future in the new era" under a 15-point joint declaration issued at the end of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's official visit to Beijing.
The joint declaration, released on Friday, says the two countries will elevate their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership to bring greater benefits to their peoples.
Among the key outcomes are China's support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project, plans to explore a "2+2" dialogue mechanism on diplomacy and defence, and Beijing's commitment to help facilitate a mutually acceptable solution to the Rohingya crisis through engagement with Myanmar.
The declaration also outlines expanded cooperation in trade, investment, industry, education, public health, culture and defence, stronger collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), exploration of direct connectivity between the two countries, and China's support for Bangladesh's participation in BRICS and its application to become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Tarique visited China from Jun 22 to 26 at the invitation of Chinese premier Li Qiang.
During the visit, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping, held bilateral talks with Li, and met Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.
The declaration says the leaders held in-depth discussions on bilateral ties as well as regional and international issues of common interest and reached broad consensus.
Relations since 1975 Enter a New Phase
The two sides said China and Bangladesh have steadily strengthened political mutual trust, traditional friendship and practical cooperation since establishing diplomatic relations in 1975.
China congratulated Bangladesh on the successful general election held in February 2026, expressed support for the new government's governance, and acknowledged its "Bangladesh Before All" policy.
Bangladesh, in turn, said China's 15th Five-Year Plan will create important development opportunities for the country.
More High-Level Dialogue
The two governments agreed to maintain the momentum of high-level exchanges, strengthen cooperation among governments, legislative bodies and political parties, and increase exchanges of governance experience.
They also agreed to establish a strategic dialogue mechanism between their foreign ministers and explore a "2+2" dialogue mechanism involving diplomacy and defence.
Bangladesh Reaffirms One-China Policy
The declaration says Bangladesh reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China principle, recognising that there is but one China, Taiwan is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, and the government in Beijing is the sole legal government representing the whole of China.
Bangladesh also reaffirmed its opposition to any form of "Taiwan independence" and expressed support for China's efforts towards national reunification.
China, meanwhile, reiterated its support for Bangladesh's national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while respecting the country's chosen development path.
Stronger Cooperation Under the Belt and Road Initiative
The two countries agreed to deepen high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and align development plans more closely.
China said it will continue supporting both major infrastructure projects and "small and beautiful" livelihood projects, while assisting Bangladesh's industrialisation, agricultural modernisation and broader economic and social development within its capacity.
Trade, Investment and Industry
The communiqué says the two countries will strengthen cooperation in trade, e-commerce, industrial and supply chains and investment to enhance Bangladesh's export capacity and jointly uphold the multilateral trading system.
Bangladesh expressed appreciation for China's zero-tariff treatment covering 100 percent of tariff lines and pledged to provide a more favourable environment for Chinese investment.
The two sides also agreed to jointly advance the Mongla Port Facilities Modernization and Expansion Project and the development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram.
Exploring New Connectivity
Bangladesh and China agreed to deepen cooperation in connectivity, science and technology, information and communications, green energy, photovoltaic technology, disaster prevention and climate change.
They also agreed to explore new options for regional connectivity, including direct connectivity between the two countries.
China Backs Teesta Project
One of the most significant elements of the communiqué is China's support for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.
The two countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in integrated water resources management, planning, hydrological forecasting, flood prevention, disaster reduction, river dredging and related technology sharing.
China said it will provide support for the Teesta project within its capacity and help experts from both countries expedite the project's feasibility study.
The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime affairs.
Defence Cooperation to Deepen
The communiqué says defence cooperation will be expanded through exchanges, visits and training.
The two countries also agreed to maintain mutual understanding and engagement on United Nations peacekeeping affairs.
Education, Health and People-to-People Exchanges
Bangladesh and China commended the successful celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the Year of China-Bangladesh People-to-People Exchanges in 2025.
They agreed to deepen cooperation in media, think tanks, education, films, publishing, youth, sports and culture.
China will continue providing opportunities for Bangladeshi students to study in China, while both sides will strengthen cooperation between universities and vocational institutions, human resource development, public health and traditional medicine.
Bangladesh also welcomed cooperation from Chinese provincial authorities, particularly Yunnan Province, in healthcare.
China Supports Bangladesh's BRICS, SCO Ambitions
Bangladesh expressed support for President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and his Global Initiatives, while expressing readiness to work with China in implementing them.
China, in turn, reaffirmed support for Bangladesh playing a greater role in multilateral institutions, backed Bangladesh's participation in BRICS, and supported its application to become a partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
The two countries also pledged to promote broader regional multilateral cooperation.
Support for the Un-Based International Order
The communiqué reaffirms both countries' commitment to the United Nations-centred international system, international law and the principles of the UN Charter.
The two sides also pledged to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and inclusive economic globalisation.
They further agreed to uphold the outcomes of World War II, oppose any revival of fascism or militarism, and support the post-war international order established under the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the UN Charter.
China to Continue Facilitating Rohingya Solution
Bangladesh welcomed China's constructive role in addressing the Rohingya crisis, while China commended Bangladesh for providing humanitarian assistance to forcibly displaced people from Myanmar's Rakhine State.
China said it supports Bangladesh and Myanmar in finding a mutually acceptable solution through friendly consultations and will continue facilitating the process to the best of its capabilities.
The declaration notes that the two countries signed a number of cooperation documents during the visit covering development cooperation, human resources, agriculture, education, trade and investment, and media cooperation.
Tarique thanked the Chinese government and people for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and invited the Chinese leadership to visit Bangladesh at a mutually convenient time.